On 20/2 (the fourth day of Binh Ngo Tet), many supermarkets, shopping centers, and traditional markets reopened after the long holiday. This led to an abundant supply, and buying and selling activities gradually returned to normal. However, consumer demand was not high, primarily focusing on fresh food, vegetables, dining services, tourism, entertainment, and parking.

According to the Price Management Department (Ministry of Finance), prices for vegetables and fresh flowers at markets generally did not increase significantly compared to the days leading up to Tet (the 27th-29th lunar month).

In Hanoi, fresh flowers for temple visits at the beginning of the year saw an increase of about 15-30% compared to the 29th day of Tet. For instance, chrysanthemums cost 12,000-15,000 VND a flower, and roses were priced at 12,000-17,000 VND a stem.

Premium pork ranged from 160,000-180,000 VND a kg, while beef tenderloin was 320,000-350,000 VND a kg, approximately 30% higher than on normal days. Vegetables and fruits were 15-30% higher than before Tet.

Staff checking food at a stall. *Photo: Winmart*.

However, the Price Management Department also noted slight price reductions for some livestock and poultry meats and vegetables in various locations. Specifically, some markets in Hanoi, such as Quan Hoa, recorded a slight decrease in livestock meat prices compared to the third day of Tet.

In TP HCM, prices for essential food items like bitter melon, tomatoes, poultry eggs, cucumbers, and Hoa Loc sand mangoes began to decrease, returning to normal levels.

For example, at Thu Duc wholesale market, the volume of goods arriving reached about 754 tons each day, equivalent to 30% of normal daily levels. Some items, such as cucumbers and bitter melon, saw price drops due to low purchasing power. Hoc Mon wholesale market recorded a total volume of about 817 tons, with vegetable and fruit prices returning to normal levels. Binh Dien market received 627 tons of goods, with prices remaining relatively stable.

At retail markets, prices for pork, poultry, and seafood saw slight decreases compared to the third day of Tet.

Hai Phong also recorded no significant fluctuations in the supply and demand of goods. Prices for essential items remained relatively stable, with slight increases in the green vegetable and fresh food categories. Shopping activities at supermarkets and shopping centers began to pick up again.

In Da Nang, most shopping centers, supermarkets, and convenience stores resumed normal operations. In traditional markets, only a small number of vendors reopened, primarily selling items like pork, green vegetables, tubers, fruits, fresh flowers, and incense. Purchasing power was estimated to increase by about 15-20% compared to the third day of Tet, with prices remaining relatively stable.

According to the Domestic Market Management and Development Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), the current supply of fresh food is relatively abundant due to stock prepared before Tet and favorable weather conditions. Reports from localities indicate that the total volume of goods reserved for Tet this year increased by 10-15% compared to normal months. At many large distribution enterprises, reserves for some essential goods increased by 20-40%.

The Market Management Agency forecasts that in the coming days, supply will continue to strengthen as more sales points fully reopen. Demand is expected to remain for fresh food and essential consumer goods. With the prepared stock, the market is assessed to remain stable, with no price or supply hotspots emerging.

The Ministry of Finance also stated that some services for spring travel and festivals might see slight increases, but these are temporary and will not affect the overall price level.

Regulatory agencies have urged localities to continue closely monitoring the market, addressing cases of unreasonable price increases, and preventing speculation and hoarding during the beginning of the year.

Phuong Dung